Golden water and a short dolphin hunt.

This full-day catamaran cruise off Mauritius’ west coast mixes sailing with lagoon time at Bénitiers Island, plus a snorkel stop and an onboard meal. You sail from Le Morne Anglers’ Club, then anchor in a beautiful stretch of water near Crystal Rock and the Black River mountain range.

I really like two things about this trip. First, the day includes alcoholic beverages along with soda, water, and lunch, so you can relax without constantly thinking about purchases. Second, you get snorkeling equipment taken care of, which makes the ocean time feel easy instead of gear-heavy.

One possible drawback: the dolphin stop is short, and sightings are never guaranteed. If you’re the type who needs a long, guided nature-style dolphin session, you may feel the pacing is a bit quick.

Key things to know before you go

• Dolphins at Tamarin Bay (but not guaranteed): you get a brief window to watch, so stay flexible with expectations.
• Bénitiers Island lagoon anchoring: you’ll drop anchor in the lagoon area near Crystal Rock for great views and water time.
• Lunch, drinks, and crew-cooked barbecue vibes: onboard food is a real part of the experience, not an afterthought.
• Snorkeling gear included: you’re supplied with snorkeling equipment, so packing is simpler.
• Small shared boat feel: maximum 35 travelers means you’re not stuck in a huge crowd.

Setting sail from Le Morne Anglers’ Club

You start at Le Morne Anglers’ Club on Colonel Dean Avenue in Grande Riviere Noire at 9:30 am. The cruise runs about 6 hours, and it ends back at the same meeting point. If you like plans that are straightforward, this one is, because you’re not transferring all over the island.

This is a shared basis catamaran cruise with a maximum of 35 travelers. That matters. It usually means more of a lively group atmosphere than a quiet, private charter. Also, it tends to keep the schedule tight, with sailing and stops planned so everyone is back on time.

One more practical note: you’ll use a mobile ticket. So keep it accessible on your phone at the start. And remember, transfers are not included, so you’ll want to already have transport to the marina.

The dolphin stop at Tamarin Bay is quick, so go in smart

The day kicks off with a sail to Tamarin Bay for dolphin watching. The stop is listed as 10 minutes, which is a blink in cruise-time. This is not the kind of activity where you can casually wander around and still feel like you did it properly.

Here’s how I’d play it if dolphins are your top reason for booking:

• Arrive ready at the best viewing side of the boat as soon as you slow down.
• Keep your eyes up and your head moving, because dolphins can surface quickly.
• Don’t let a short window ruin your mood. If you get nothing, you still have a lagoon, snorkeling, and a proper meal later.

Also, there’s a bit of realistic tension here. One downside that shows up in the feedback is that sometimes dolphins can be farther than you hope, or spotting is difficult in the moment. So keep your expectations on the “chance” side of the spectrum, not the “certainty” side.

Even so, dolphin spotting is the kind of moment that can feel like magic when it happens. And the rest of the itinerary is designed so the day doesn’t collapse if it doesn’t.

Crystal Rock lunch and the barbecue moment you’ll actually remember

After the dolphin portion, you head toward the lunch area near Crystal Rock. Lunch is served onboard, and there’s also an opportunity to enjoy a barbecue prepared by the crew. This is one of the best parts of the pacing because it turns the middle of the trip into a comfortable break, not just another transit segment.

What you’ll like here is the mix of comfort and scenery. You’re not stuck eating in a dining room. You’re eating while the coast and water views do the entertaining. And since bottled water, soda/pop, and alcoholic beverages are included, you can match your pace. Want a soft day? Sip a soda. Want to celebrate? That’s part of the included setup.

One caution: alcohol is included, but the day still has swimming and snorkeling time afterward. If you plan to snorkel, I’d keep drinks moderate. You’ll enjoy the water portion more when you’re alert and comfortable moving around.

And yes, this is also where you’ll feel the difference between a well-run day and a chaotic one. A positive note in the feedback is that the crew brings a friendly, upbeat vibe, and the food lands well. That combo often makes the whole cruise feel smoother.

Ile aux Bénitiers: snorkeling and a short island visit

Next comes Ile aux Bénitiers. This is where the cruise shifts from “watching” to “getting in the water.” The plan includes a snorkelling stop, plus a visit to Bénitiers Island. You’ll be back around 15:30, so there’s time for enjoyment, but you’re not out there all day doing one activity only.

What the water time feels like

Bénitiers Island is known for the lagoon setting, and this cruise anchors in that area near Crystal Rock. That matters for snorkeling. A lagoon environment usually makes for calmer, more approachable conditions than rough open water.

The snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t need to rent gear or fuss with fit. Once you’re in, it becomes a straightforward experience: suit up, put on the kit, and swim around the anchored area.

The short island visit

You also get a visit to Bénitiers Island. It’s not a long hike or a full on-land excursion, so treat it as a quick chance to enjoy the island atmosphere, take in views, and then get back to the water and boat.

If you want a full, hours-long beach day on land, this is not that. This is a cruise that gives you a taste of island life, then returns you to the sailing rhythm.

The view backdrop: Black River mountains from the lagoon

One of the fun details built into the experience is the scenery connection. When you anchor in the lagoon near Bénitiers Island, you get a panoramic view of the Black River mountain range. Even if you only look up between snorkeling and lunch, the mountains add depth to the whole day. It’s not just water and sky. It’s scenery with shape.

That view also helps anchor the cruise emotionally. When you’re floating in clear water, it’s easy to forget where you are. Seeing that mountain line keeps you grounded in place.

Shared cruise reality: timing, group size, and expectations

Because the cruise is shared and the max group size is 35 travelers, the day works on a common rhythm. That’s good for value and convenience, but you need to accept that it’s not a private, slow-paced sailing day.

Here’s what to expect in practice:

• Stops are timed, like the dolphin viewing window.
• Lunch happens onboard around the Crystal Rock area.
• Snorkeling is scheduled, not open-ended.
• You’re back by about 15:30.

The best mindset is simple: see this as a “whole day of ocean experiences,” not a single-target excursion. If dolphins are the main dream, you should still treat snorkeling and the lagoon anchor as equal parts of the win.

One more practical note: towels aren’t included. That can catch people off guard because snorkeling gear is included. Bring your own towel so you’re not improvising at the end of the water portion.

Price and value: is $90.59 a fair deal?

At $90.59 per person, this cruise sits in the “active day out” price category. The value comes from what’s bundled, not from the scenery alone.

Here’s how I’d judge the price:

• Snorkeling equipment is included. That removes one common add-on cost and makes the activity easier.
• Lunch and drinks are included, including bottled water, soda/pop, and alcoholic beverages. In many ocean tours, food and drinks are where costs creep up fast.
• The route includes multiple highlights in a single outing: dolphin watching, lagoon anchoring near Crystal Rock, snorkeling, and a Bénitiers island visit.

The parts that affect value are the exclusions. Towels and transfers are not included, so factor in how you’ll get to Le Morne Anglers’ Club and what you’ll bring for after snorkeling. If you already have local transport figured out and you pack a towel, the $90.59 feels much more reasonable.

In other words, you’re paying for an organized, timed full-day experience with real inclusions, not just a ride on the water.

Weather matters more than you think

This cruise requires good weather. That’s not a tiny footnote. It’s the reason you should book with flexibility when possible and accept that the ocean is the ocean.

If weather is poor and the operator has to cancel, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. So the trip is built to be weather-aware, which reduces the risk of showing up for a disappointing day.

Your best move: check the forecast close to departure and set expectations that the sea state can affect comfort and visibility.

Who this cruise is best for

This is a strong choice if:

• You want a full day at sea without planning every detail.
• You care about snorkeling but don’t want to handle gear rentals.
• You like the convenience of food and drinks included.
• You enjoy shared group energy with a cap around 35 people.

It’s less ideal if:

• You only booked for dolphins and you need a long guaranteed viewing session.
• You expect a deep, hour-by-hour nature lecture rather than a mixed sailing, food, and water day.
• You’re hoping for lots of time on the island on land. The Bénitiers stop is short.

Should you book the Bénitiers catamaran cruise?

I’d book it if you want a balanced day: sailing time plus a real water moment, and you want lunch handled for you. The included drinks and meal make the cruise feel like a proper outing, not a “we’ll feed you later” situation. And the snorkeling gear inclusion means you can show up ready and enjoy the lagoon without extra hassle.

I’d pause if dolphins are your only goal, because the dolphin window is brief and spotting can be uncertain. But if you’re open to enjoying the whole day, Bénitiers and Crystal Rock give you plenty to love even without a dolphin cameo.

If you go, do yourself one favor: pack a towel and keep your schedule flexible for weather. Then you’ll get the most out of what this cruise is built to deliver.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise to Bénitiers Island?

The experience runs for about 6 hours.

What time does the cruise start, and where does it meet?

It starts at 9:30 am at Le Morne Anglers’ Club, Colonel Dean Avenue, Grande Riviere Noire, Mauritius, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

The cruise includes lunch, bottled water, soda/pop, alcoholic beverages, and the use of snorkeling equipment.

Are towels included?

No, towels are not included.

Do I need to arrange transfers to the meeting point?

Transfers are not included, so you’ll need to handle getting to Le Morne Anglers’ Club yourself.

Is dolphin watching part of the cruise?

Yes. The schedule includes a sail to Tamarin Bay to watch dolphins.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.